91 2015 Carlisle Montafi Ranch Zinfandel (Russian River Valley) 3/27/18 ($47)
89% Zinfandel, 11% Mixed Blacks (Alicante Bouschet, Aubun, Grand Noir, Petite Sirah, Peloursin, Trousseau Noir, Syrah, Petit Bouschet, Cinsault) 15.0% alc 663cases
Color: Deep cherry garnet. (3.0) Bouquet: Crushed rocks and black licorice complement tart cherry and berry fruit. (3.0) Body: Solid middleweight with excellent fruit, acidity and subtle tannins. Tangy, slightly astringent mouthfeel. (3.0) Flavor: Parallels bouquet with fruit a bit muted at present. Shows lots of briary spice. (3.0) Finish: Long, briary finish with the fruit peaking out more. (3.5)
Overall: Shows excellent structure and briary complexity along with intense yet elegant RRV character. Can be drunk now with a long decanting, but should benefit from 5 years of bottle age. A somewhat austere vintage that does not yet show the charming fruit that Montafi possesses, but does show the complexity. (15.5)
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